Sir James Harris, Memorandum for Cabinet, May 9, 1785

To state the situation of Europe as it appears from the Correspondence. It is such as claims equally the attention of England and Prussia.Austria and France are united for views of mutual aggrandizement. Russia is closely connected with Austria, Spain with France. The Consequences of this formidable League are evident. They would be felt by all Europe in general, but more particularly by England and Prussia. It behoves therefore these two Courts to concert Measures for their reciprocal Safety. To compare their Information. To communicate their respective Ideas; and to examine how far it will be advisable for them to go to prevent the dangerous effects of this Confederacy.It will be necessary, if England means to obtain a clear and explicit Answer from Prussia, that England should, on her side, be clear and explicit; and if after a fair Discussion of the present State of AiFairs it should come out that their Apprehensions are grounded, to say to what extent she is ready to go. Whether she means to confine her cooperations with Prussia merely to Negotiations and a confidential intercourse between their Ministers at the different Courts; whether she will advance a step farther and enter into eventual Engagements; or whether instead of adopting this uncertain and inefficacious Conduct, which appears unequal to the Importance of the Crisis, she will declare herself ready to meet the King of Prussia half way; and to enter immediately into an actual Alliance with Him, to oppose, under any Circumstances, the Effects of this Union between their natural Enemies.